Classification Title:	Annual Giving Specialist
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Job Description:	The Philanthropy Specialist for Annual Giving serves as a Donor Experience Officer (DXO) to drive fundraising success at the University of Florida by executing strategies aimed at engaging donors, with a focus on lead generation, moves management and pipeline development. Reporting to the Senior Director of Lead Generation & Annual Giving Programs, this role is responsible for engaging with prospective donors to build long-term philanthropic relationships that support the mission of the University of Florida and each college, unit and department within UF Advancement. The Specialist collaborates closely within development teams and Prospect Strategy & Research to deliver a seamless donor experience, ultimately generating referrals of warm leads to a major gift development officers. Pipeline Development & Lead Generation Actively engage with and build relationships with a portfolio of approximately 1,000 supporters and prospects. Leverage technology including EverTrue’s cloud platform, social media platforms, and video conferencing software tools to build rapport, steward, and solicit donors in a donor-centric, targeted, high-velocity manner. Execute monthly and quarterly touchpoint cadences (averaging 50 outbound touch points per day) across portfolio to ensure consistent and relevant donor communication. Meet and exceed clearly deﬁned goals with an emphasis on virtual meetings with prospective donors and number of personalized communications delivered. Be ﬂuent in the “menu” of engagement and philanthropic opportunities across the University (regional alumni events, on-campus events, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities, crowdfunding campaigns, fundraising priorities) to inform conversations and solicitations. Embrace a “mile-wide and inch-deep” approach to serving as a proactive advisor on resources available to donors across the institution. Collaboration & Coordination Build relationships across the university campus to be able to connect donors with relevant individuals and/or departments when applicable. Work closely with assigned units including colleges, units and central departments to collect relevant updates for prospect engagement including regional event information, celebrations, initiatives and specific departmental outreach communications. Deploy Annual Giving solicitations for Campaigns and Programs teams when warranted for specific prospects. Maintain accurate donor records and pipeline tracking in the CRM system, ensuring timely follow-ups, reporting and prospect contact reports. University of Florida At the University of Florida, we are feeding communities, healing coastlines, exploring space, curing diseases, powering cities, building industries, and imagining wonders. As the state’s most comprehensive university, UF is a land, sea, and space grant institution with ties to every Florida county, a top academic medical center, and much more. The ideas born here gather steam and make tangible impacts. Florida is among the nation’s leaders in technology transfer, turning discoveries into companies, products, and jobs. Come join us—let’s see where we can go together. Gainesville, Florida Gainesville, Florida is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health, it is a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation. With award-winning parks, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gainesville offers something for everyone. Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities—making it a great place to live, work, and thrive. Visit the city’s website for community information.
Expected Salary:	$50,000- $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exceptional Benefits We Offer: Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more.
Required Qualifications:	Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid FL driver's license.
Preferred:	The ideal candidate will possess: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, business, or a related field. At least 1-3 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, development, call center sales or customer experience. Strong understanding of annual giving in philanthropy. Proven skills in project management, time management, and organization. Ability to integrate both quantitative and qualitative data into decision-making processes. Demonstrated success building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, as well as strong leadership, motivational, and influencing abilities. High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and a customer service-oriented approach. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential. Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. Familiarity with donor databases, CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce), and tracking systems is also highly preferred. The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are essential.
Special Instructions to Applicants:	In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and three references. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This one posting will fill three positions.
Health Assessment Required:	No

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Philanthropy Specialist